ॐ

Three part Yogic breathing

In Yoga there are four types of breathing, abdominal, middle, upper and Yogic Breathing. Most of us use upper breathing which is less effective and therefore less air is brought into the lungs.

Abdominal breathing is the most effective way to breath because more air is received into the lungs, which means that more air is expelled from the lungs.

You are encourage to practice Yogic Breathing for at least a few minutes a day. This practice will increase the lung capacity as well as reduce the amount to carbon dioxide and germs in the lower parts of the lungs.

"When the breath control is correct, mind control is possible."
- Krishna

Abdominal Breathing

This type of breathing uses the movement of the diaphragm and the outer wall of the abdomen. When relaxed this muscle arches upwards towards the chest.

During inhalation it is flattened as it moves downwards, which compresses the abdominal organs and eventually pushes the front wall, the belly, of the abdomen outwards. This movement enlarges the chest cavity, downwards, allowing the lungs to expand and thereby draw in air from the surroundings.

Relaxing the muscles which pull the diaphragm downwards, allows the diaphragm to move upwards again to reduce the volume in the chest cavity and thereby cause exhalation.

This type of breathing draws in the greatest amount of air for the least amount of effort from the muscles. It is often hampered by tight belts and clothing which prevent movement of the belly outwards.

Middle Breathing

This form of breathing is achieved by movement of the ribs. During expansion of the rib cage outwards and upwards by muscular contraction, the lungs are allowed to expand this results in air being drawn into the lungs from the front side and inhalation taking place.

When the muscles which control the movement of the ribs are relaxed, then the ribs move downwards and inwards. This compresses the lungs and exhalation takes place.

Upper Breathing

In this case the inhalation and exhalation of the lungs is achieved by raising the shoulders and collarbone. This method requires much effort for little output.

Yogic Breathing

Yogic or deep breathing combines all these three types of breathing (abdominal, middle, upper) into one harmonious movement. This practice is superior because of the ability to give the maximum inhalation and exhalation of the lungs.